The Library's Secret
Mi‑An's footsteps echoed through the grand library, each one sounding louder in the oppressive silence. The air smelled faintly of old parchment and incense, the kind of scent that usually calmed minds—but not hers. Her heart raced, her eyes scanning the ancient tomes, jade slips, and scrolls that lined the walls from floor to ceiling.
Hours passed, yet the library offered nothing. No scrolls, no writings, no hidden passages revealing the Ansha's weaknesses. Frustration tightened her chest. She ran a trembling hand along the stone walls and froze.
A pattern.
It was faint, barely visible, but unmistakable. The same symbol embroidered on Saint Lu Qi's robe.
A pulse of energy ran through her. Slowly, carefully, she touched the pattern and poured her powers into it. The wall shivered, then silently slid open. Beyond it lay a narrow corridor dimly lit by a crimson glow.
Mi‑An stepped inside. The air was heavy, charged with centuries of arcane energy. Ahead, another red spot caught her attention. Impulsively, she touched it. A second wall slid aside, revealing yet another hidden passage. Her curiosity outweighed caution, and she passed through, deeper into the unknown.
Meanwhile, Saint Gil U sensed the disturbance.
"Someone… has entered the forbidden area," he muttered, rising quickly. Within moments, he appeared at the library entrance, a mix of anger and concern etched into his features.
But before he could act, a calm, terrifying voice echoed behind him.
"Gil U."
His body stiffened. Slowly, he turned. There, standing with unhurried grace, was the Ansha. His aura pressed down like an invisible mountain, bending the air itself.
"The Ansha… It's you," Gil U whispered, his voice trembling.
"I have waited a thousand years," the Ansha replied, his calm demeanor masking the lethal intent beneath. "And you… you remain the same."
Gil U's fists clenched. "Then let me show you my cultivation."
"You are still naive," the Ansha said, folding three fingers on his right hand and extending the remaining horizontally. With a half counter-clockwise motion, eighteen bluish needles appeared, spinning with deadly precision.
Gil U reacted instantly, weaving a protective formation. The needles shot forth, and his defenses shattered as if made of glass. One by one, they pierced him. He collapsed to the floor, coughing blood.
"Ansha… your cultivation…" he managed to gasp.
"Do you think I spent these thousand years in Nirvana?" The Ansha's voice became icy, sharp. "I am ANSHA. You cannot see what lies beneath the candle's flame."
With that, the Ansha delivered the final blow. Saint Gil U's body faded into mist, and far above, his star fell from the heavens.
Across the lands, the remaining six sect leaders felt the shock of his death. The balance of power shifted, and a meeting was called at once.